14" x 11" Oil on Canvas
Last Easter our son and daughter in law hosted Easter Dinner for family and friends complete with an exciting egg hunt for the children. Twelve year old Zack found a perfect vantage point for overlooking the activities. The sun was kissing his temple and dancing off his hair creating a portrait artist's ideal model.
Zack and his little brother are grand nephews in our extended family. I wanted to see if I could capture the essense of the spring day, the twinkle in Zack's eye, his calm demeanor and his gentle smile. Pleased with the outcome, a photo of the painting was emailed to his mother requesting permission to blog post it. Lo and behold, she loves the painting and the wants to purchase it! How cool is that!!
Zack is holding his sunglasses so this portrait is included in the Shades Series which will eventually be come a book.
Zack is a very handsome boy! You certainly captured his personality!! Love the light hitting him...(looks like a photo!)
ReplyDeleteThanks Hilda! The sunlight was the big attraction for this one and while the smile tells us Zack has a quiet nature, the twinkle in his eye lends a hint to his fun loving side. With thicker paint and larger brushstrokes, this one looks less like a photo than some of my previous portraits.
DeleteWell done! You definitely captured the twinkle!
ReplyDeleteThank you Michelle!
Deletestunning work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Suzanne - I really appreciate your comments!
DeleteOh Zack is so cute and you've done one stunning painting, Rosemary! Look at those dimples! I love the way you've handled that background as well.
ReplyDeleteOh Sherry! Thanks! That background gave me a fit - kept going back to haze it. The sky isn't quite as blue as in the photo. I'm so pleased you commented on it! Zack is a handsome fellow with his mom's dimples!
ReplyDeleteCan't believe I have missed these last great portraits and paintings, sorry. Congrats on the award! This painting is just super! You have captured the day, essence and all. Love the background. Excellent!
ReplyDeleteOh Wow! Jo, you made my day! Thanks from the bottom of my heart!
DeleteFantastic portrait, Rosemary. Wonderful light.
ReplyDeleteThank you Edward!
DeleteRosemary, you captured the essence of the day and the twinkle in his eye. The light is painted so well. Congrats on the sale; no greater validation of a job well done, as a mother wanting to buy the painting.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pat! I'm so glad the family wants the portrait and it looks like I may get to paint Zack's little brother! Yea!
DeleteWOW - this literally took my breath away. The diffused background works so perfectly to set off this handsome boy. Beautiful, beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteMy goal this year is to push myself to do more portraits - especially of children (my three grandchildren in particular). Is there any advice you could give me, or any books or links you think would be good for me to check out.
I could only wish that I could paint a portrait half as successfully as you have done here!
Claire, you have paid me the ultimate compliment! You know how much I admire your work! You are pushing toward portraits as I am easing toward landscapes - guess that's what keeps us in the studio - we are always challenged and never bored! I am going to email some links and give you some book titles. You will have no trouble painting your grandchildren! Thanks again!
DeleteThank you, Rosemary! I will keep my eyes out for your email - I really appreciate your taking the time to do this.
DeleteWhat a great job you've done of Zack's portrait. Love how you were able to capture the light. I love working with light and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
ReplyDeleteBravo.
Great to see you Lokelani! So happy you are back to blogging! You did a fabulous job with the light in CAPTIVE AUDIENCE! Wonder what you are working on now? Thank you for stopping by and your sweet words!
DeleteOh Rosemary, it is beautiful. Not surprised at all that they wanted to purchase it, they will treasure it I know.
ReplyDeleteThanks Barb!
DeleteRosemary, this is beautiful! I especially love the light on Zack's head and the great way you rendered the background.
ReplyDeleteChristine, I really appreciate your comments! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteRosemary, you nailed this one! Beautifully done and it says all that you want it to say. I love the expression on his young face and the sunshine highlights on his hair and face. You are masterful with portraits.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stoppin by my blog. I feel like old friends.
Thank you for those sweet comments Mary! His expression with the hint of mischief made this pose appealing. I do appreciate your comments and enjoy visiting your blog!
DeleteWhat a stunning portrait Rosemary, this boy just has the sweetest smile...a little heartbreaker! You absolutely caught the calmness and gentleness of his being ...love it|
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane! Zack is indeed a little heartbreaker - (I've seen his facebook page):-) He is precious and I really appreciate your comments!
DeleteCiao, very nice portrait. The boy's smile is very fascinating.
ReplyDeleteCiao, Floriana
Thank you Floriana!
ReplyDeleteOh my giddy aunt!!! Rosemary you are so clever and talented. I just love the portrait...I'm not surprised his mother wants to purchase it.
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you my pal has a grandson, Finn, who now lives in Spain - he is an almost an identical twin to Zak, which is why I nearly fell off my chair when I saw your picture.
Brilliant, Rosemary, absolutely brilliant